-- $331,000 for memberships and conferences, again with several unrelated to the agency's purpose.

Thousands in meal reimbursements, including $3750 toMcCormick, even though there was no travel involved.

OPEGA didn't comment on the savings realized by not having a space between "Maine" and "Housing."

Democrats immediately proclaimed victory, arguing McCormick had been unfairly forced out. Republicans said the report was worthwhile for revealing where savings could be realized and for reassuring the public that the GOP was keeping an eye on things.

McCormick had little to say, which is just as well, because this was hardly the exoneration proclaimed by much of the media. With the US Department of Housing and Urban Development beginning an examination of her casual inspection procedures, and Poliquin — now running for the US Senate — never wasting an opportunity to wave around a piece of overpriced molding from one of her historic rehabs, she's going to be political poison for a long time.

McCormick's intentions might have been good, but she failed to understand the public's attitude toward profligate spending and rampant inefficiency.

Heavy burden In 2012, collections on homes, buildings, and private infrastructure will feed more than 65 percent of Boston's $2.4 billion budget.

Losing our religion All those pretty churches. So many of them white clapboard buildings with tall steeples and stained glass windows. The kind of thing that makes you think Mainers are a hardy, God-fearing, churchgoing lot.

Plan B With the end of the long primary campaign, Mainers are facing an ugly reality.

The powerless rise I’m an even-tempered guy. I don’t lose my cool more than, maybe, once or twice a day.

Get smart There are lots of theories about what's wrong with Maine's economy.

Instead of cuts: guts Let’s assume, reader, that you’re concerned about economic and social justice. For those in real need — people who are poor, sick, old, mentally ill, addicted, disabled — you want decent care. You’re concerned, too, about proper funding of schools, community colleges, and university campuses.

Weapon of choice As amazing as it seems in this age of 24-hour-a-day punditry, there are still issues about which it is permissible not to have an opinion.

SMILING FACES | November 03, 2014 In an attempt to ease the state’s severe cognitive-dissonance shortage, the arbiters of good taste have spent this election season beseeching candidates to practice both civility and sincerity.

REASON HIDDEN | October 24, 2014 Late last year, Michaud publicly acknowledged his homosexuality. The experts were quick to claim it wouldn’t be a big factor in the gubernatorial race.

SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE | October 16, 2014 Want to save the taxpayers of Maine over $60 million? It’s so simple even somebody with no political skills at all can do it.